Like kids cooped up in the classroom too long, the 49ers can't wait for a field trip. They make their escape starting today in Napa, where they will spend two days crashing pads against the Raiders.

To players, the best scenery in the valley might be the sight of a different uniform.

"It gets monotonous when you do it day-in and day-out," defensive coordinator Greg Manusky said after the 49ers finished their 25th practice of training camp. "I think anytime you go up against other competition and see those matchups come alive is great."

When the 49ers and Raiders met in Napa last August, it marked the first time they had practiced together since 1982.

The action was spirited, with several donnybrooks interrupting play.

Tight end Vernon Davis and running back Frank Gore mixed it up with Raiders safety Jarrod Cooper. At the other end of that practice field, guard Chilo Rachal and Raiders defensive tackle William Joseph took a few swings at each other.

Suffice to say, it was not monotonous.

But beyond the fights, the practices were well-orchestrated and efficient. The players felt energized by the competitive element. The experience proved so valuable that the 49ers doubled their dosage, choosing this time to stick around for two full days and four practices.

As quarterback contender Shaun Hill said, "We'll get a lot of work out there. It won't just be a lot of driving."

The drills will include contact but there will be no to-the-ground tackling.

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All sessions are closed to the public.

The Napa practices set the stage for the 49ers' game against the Raiders on Saturday night at Candlestick Park.

For the 49ers, an improved pass rush will be a priority. The Broncos threw 33 passes without being sacked last week, and the 49ers barely mustered pressure.

After reviewing the game film, Manusky said Monday that it wasn't as bad as it looked. The 49ers had three interceptions against the Broncos, and two of them, he said, came as the result of a defender closing in on the quarterback.

Manusky said linebacker Ahmad Brooks came off the edge to set up Dre' Bly's interception and credited heat from linebacker Scott McKillop for setting up Reggie Smith's takeaway.

"I would rather have an interception than a sack," Manusky said. "I like both of them, but that is what happened Friday night."

Hill was asked whether his prolonged competition with Alex Smith might be a detriment to the 49ers' progress on offense. "I think it's not ideal," Hill said. "(But) I don't know that it's necessarily setting the team back. Both of us are getting a lot of reps out there every day."

Manusky said he was impressed by the way rookie defensive lineman Ricky Jean-Francois held the point on running plays. The defensive coordinator also praised defensive back Shawntae Spencer, who is working his way back from a knee injury. "He played a clean, clean game," Manusky said.

Cornerback Tarell Brown (toe) and running back Michael Robinson (groin) were back at practice on a limited basis. Tight end Delanie Walker (concussion) was cleared for full participation.